MBALE CITY – The spokesperson of the Bugisu Cultural Institution, Steven Masiga, has welcomed guidance by the State Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development, Mary Kamuli Kuteesa, emphasizing that legal opinions issued by the Attorney General cannot override court decisions in matters that are already before the courts.
Speaking after the minister’s visit to Mbale City, Masiga said the Bugisu Cultural Institution fully supports the minister’s position, describing it as a proper interpretation of the law amid the ongoing leadership dispute involving the institution.
Minister Kuteesa was in Mbale alongside several leaders, including Gen. Henry Tumukunde, Hon. Lydia Wanyoto, and Hon. Simon Mulongo, where discussions touched on cultural leadership and the need to uphold the rule of law.
Masiga said the institution “associates itself 100 percent” with the minister’s guidance, noting that it reinforces the principle that court processes should be respected until a final determination is made.
He argued that an opinion previously attributed to the Attorney General’s office had created unnecessary tension within the Bamasaba community by appearing to take a position on the tenure of Umukuka Jude Mike Mudoma while related matters remain before the courts.
“Our understanding of the law is that the Attorney General cannot issue an opinion that effectively overrides or interferes with matters that are already before court,” Masiga said.
He further argued that since the Attorney General is reportedly a party to the ongoing legal proceedings concerning the Bugisu Cultural Institution, his office should not provide guidance on the same matter, as doing so could raise concerns about impartiality.
Masiga urged members of the Bamasaba community and the general public to remain patient and allow the judicial process to take its course rather than resorting to confrontational actions.
“We must demonstrate fidelity to the law and avoid street hooliganism, especially in high-profile matters. The courts should be allowed to determine the issues before them,” he said.
Referring to a legal opinion that circulated on social media in March this year, Masiga claimed many people questioned its authenticity and the manner in which it was distributed.
He explained that, under government procedures, legal opinions are ordinarily directed to specific recipients and are not automatically binding on the public. He added that legal opinions can be challenged or rejected if they are not properly grounded in law.
“What matters is not merely the existence of a legal opinion, but the legal reasoning behind it. Any opinion must be based on the law and not on speculation,” Masiga said.
He noted that the Bugisu Cultural Institution had previously rejected the legal opinion in question and continues to encourage members of the Bamasaba community to respect the ongoing court mediation process.
The leadership dispute within the Bugisu Cultural Institution remains before the courts, and stakeholders have repeatedly called for calm as legal proceedings continue.
